On October 8th, progressive reggae quintet Fluid Foundation will release its self-titled debut album on 17th Street Records. Fluid Foundation is a vibrant mix of reggae, dub, balmy surf music, and hip-hop. The album features a clutch of special guests, and was tracked at the famed 17th Street Studios with esteemed producer Lewis Richards (Dirty Heads, Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, Iration, and Seedless). Pre-orders available on Bandcamp.
The Oceanside, California band’s debut exudes a futuristic reggae feel that shatters genres with electronic textures while preserving a spiritually uplifting feeling. The band describes its invigorating message thusly: “Our Foundation has been set…It is a solid one but Fluid enough to keep you always moving forward in a positive direction!”
Fluid Foundation embodies its name lyrically and musically. The group is comprised of an eclectic group of musicians with intriguing pedigrees. The quintet is: Nathan Arriola, lead vocals, guitar, ukulele; Shaun Dubick bass guitar, guitar, ukulele; Tony Saenz, drums, percussion; Rob Eldon keys, piano, organ, steel pan; Uke, vocals and composition. The group’s refreshingly eclectic stylistic swath encompasses reggae, electronic music, folk, rock, and jazz.
Fluid Foundation brims with positivity, longing, reflection, and introspection. On “Roll With Me,” majestic ambient textures blanket a sizzling skank rhythm, setting the stage for a message of love and commitment beyond boundaries. The infectious “Spin Me Around” features reggae legend and recording artist Pato Banton (UB40, Sting) and Stick Figure’s Kevin Offitzer on drums. The track is an intriguing cross section of influences, fluidly combining Banton’s UK reggae style with Fluid Foundation’s Cali vibe and Offitzer’s rock drumming. The other guest on the album is Marlon “The Ganja Farmer” Asher who appears on “Tripulation.” A standout track that blends roots reggae and the Cali vibe, with a message about the trials and tribulations of life and love.
Another Fluid Foundation highlight is “Cruzin,” a balmy hybrid of bubbling reggae and classic hip-hop with pop hooks. “I grew up working on cars and spending time around classic cars, so I wanted to write a track that went out to all the ‘Riderz’ and the ‘Lo Los’ who are just cruzin’ and hittin’ switches,” says Rob Eldon. Additionally, the track “Foundation” was the inspiration for this album. When Shaun joined Fluid Foundation he set into motion the next chapter in his life, including a moved from Maryland to San Diego, the announcement of his wife’s pregnancy, and the immediate work on creating the album Fluid Foundation. Shaun says, “with all these changes happening, I feel like this period of time in my life is really a foundation for the future and everything that’s coming next in life. And I feel like I’m not the only one going through changes in life, and wanted to make something that not only I could relate to, but that I thought everyone could really relate to.”
The band showcases its commitment to social consciousness with the track “Carefree” which features Micah Brown (Iration), co-writer and vocals. The invigorating track was written to bring awareness about adopting pets from local animal shelters, and all proceeds from this single will go directly to the San Diego Animal Rescue. Additionally, Fluid Foundation has a merchandise line dedicated to the cause, ranging from tees to hats called “Rasta Paw”, where all profits go directly to the San Diego Animal Rescue. Check out the store here: http://www.
Now, with a stellar debut album under its collective belt, Fluid Foundation is focused on playing live. Audiences can expect a fully immersive landscape of sound at Fluid Foundation shows. The band will recreate its lush studio records with instrumental sounds and samples. Fluid Foundation will also heighten the live experience with a coordinated light and visual show. Catch the band this summer in California on September 24th @ Casa Estrella, and October 8th at 710 Beach Club at their record release party.
